Sole Trader Insurance
Sole trader cover for a range of services & activities from £3.14 per month.*
- Public Liability included
- Join over 150,000 customers**
- Over 3000 5* reviews
From £3.14* a month
Get a quote for sole trader insurance
Choose the catergory that best suits your business. All our business insurance comes with public liability as standard.
Pet Business
Therapist
Hairdresser
Personal Trainer
Other business
Why you need sole trader insurance?
When you’re a sole trader in the UK, you and your business are legally the same entity. This means you are personally responsible for any debts, claims, or compensation arising from your work. Unlike limited companies, there’s no legal separation between your personal finances and your business liabilities, so one accident, mistake, or dispute could directly impact your livelihood.
That’s why having the right insurance is essential. Sole Trader Insurance protects you from unexpected risks such as accidents, damage, or legal claims, helping you safeguard your income and focus on your work with confidence.
According to HMRC, you are classed as a sole trader if you run your own business as an individual (not through a limited company or partnership), keep all post-tax profits yourself and are personally bear responsibility for any business losses.
At Protectivity all our sole trader policies includes liability cover as standard, with the flexibility to add optional extras that fit your unique needs. You can choose from equipment cover, employers’ liability, additional legal protection, and a variety of other tailored add-ons, all designed to suit the size and nature of your business. From pet care services, therapy and hairdressing to personal training, creative services and many other trades, we make sure you’re covered.
Make sure you have the correct insurance for your activities and be sure to check if any exclusions are relevant to what you have planned in policy documentation.
Public Liability
Employers' Liability
Professional Indemnity
Working for yourself brings freedom, but it also means you take on more responsibility. Without cover, you’d have to cover legal fees, compensation, or replacement costs out of your own pocket.
The right mix of insurance will depend on what you do, but common covers for self-employed professionals include:
Public Liability Insurance
Protects you if a client, supplier, or member of the public is injured or their property is damaged because of your work.
Professional Indemnity Insurance
Essential if you provide advice, designs, training, or professional services.
Employers’ Liability Insurance
A legal requirement if you hire anyone — even part-time, temporary, or casual staff.
Equipment Insurance
Protects the tools, kit, or stock you rely on to earn a living.
Legal Expenses Insurance
Helps with the cost of legal advice and representation, whether it’s an employment dispute, contract issue, or tax investigation.
Specialist Extras
We provide tailored options for self-employed industries including pet care, hair and beauty, manual trades, events, and fitness. That way, you only pay for cover that’s relevant to your work.
Who needs sole trader insurance?
Whether you’re a freelancer, a mobile therapist, a tradesperson, or someone running your business from home, having the right protection is essential.
Many clients, landlords, and trade bodies also require proof of insurance before they’ll hire you or let you work on their premises. Insurance doesn’t just protect your finances – it can also help you win work and build trust with clients.
It’s particularly important for:
Tradespeople and contractors
Builders, plumbers, electricians, and others working in clients’ homes or on site.
Specialist service providers
Pet sitters, dog walkers, groomers, cleaners, caterers, crafters, and similar businesses.
Health, beauty and wellbeing professionals
Therapists, personal trainers, fitness instructors, and other service providers working directly with clients.
Event organisers and stallholders
Those running or exhibiting at fairs, markets, festivals, and conferences.
Consultants, freelancers, and creatives
Professionals offering services, whether working from client offices, shared spaces, or their own premises.
Our experts explain why...
“Sole trader insurance gives you vital protection against the risks of running your business as an individual — from claims for accidental injury or property damage to unexpected legal costs. As a sole trader, you’re personally responsible for your business, so even a minor mishap could put your finances at risk. With the right cover in place, you can focus on growing your business with confidence, knowing you’re protected if the unexpected happens.”
Chris Trotman, Protectivity Underwriting Manager
How much does sole trader insurance cost?
At Protectivity policies start at just £3.14* a month.
The cost of sole trader insurance depends on factors such as:
- The type of work you do
- Your turnover
- Whether you employ staff
- The level of cover you choose
For example, liability cover can range from £1 million up to £10 million depending on your needs.
At Protectivity, Public Liability Insurance is usually included as standard, and our policies are flexible so you can add extras like equipment, professional indemnity, or legal expenses.
Simply follow our quick quote process to get affordable protection tailored to your business.
Prices from
£3.14* a month
Explainer quote
Policy cost
£3.14* a month
Policy type
Therapist Insurance
Activity
Therapy
Duration
Annual
Turnover
£50,000
Public Liability
£1,000,000
Professional Indemnity
£1,000,000
Third Party Property Damage
£750
This example is based on a real quote from our website on 06/10/2025. If your circumstances and cover needs differ, your quote may be more or less expensive than the above example. The quote you receive will reflect the information you share about your event. The quoted price may vary from those displayed here.
Have a question?
For further information on your policy, renewals, making a claim and contacting us, you’ll find an extensive list of FAQs on our Help & Support page.
Why choose Protectivity for your sole trader insurance policy?
Let the reviews of over 3,500 customers explain why you should choose us.¹
Trusted by over 150,000 customers.
Experienced insurance providers for over 30 years.
Over 3,500 highly rated reviews.
Proof of our excellent customer service.
Experienced Claims Handling
A smooth and efficient claims process.
UK Based Customer Support
Our UK sales team are here to help.
Frequently
Asked Questions
Do I legally need insurance as a sole trader?
Some types of insurance are optional, while others may be required depending on how you work. For example:
- Employers’ Liability Insurance is a legal requirement if you hire anyone, even part-time or temporary staff.
- Other covers like Public Liability aren’t required by law but are strongly recommended — and often demanded by clients, landlords, or trade associations.
What’s the difference between sole trader and self-employed?
The terms are often used interchangeably. A sole trader is a specific type of self-employed business structure, but the insurance needs are broadly the same. What matters most is the type of work you do and the risks involved, rather than the label you operate under.
At Protectivity, our self-employed policies are designed to be flexible enough to suit both sole traders and other self-employed professionals.
Can I get cover if I work from home?
Yes — most insurers can cover home-based businesses, including your equipment and liability when clients visit your home.
Do I need Employers’ Liability if I use subcontractors?
If they are genuinely self-employed subcontractors, you may not need it. But if you control how they work, supply tools, or pay them regularly, HMRC may class them as employees, meaning you’re legally required to have cover.
Discover more from Protectivity
This page content has been created for general information and should not be taken as advice.
*Prices quoted refer to a quote raised from our website 06/10/2025. Prices will differ depending on requirements. Make sure you have the correct level of cover for what you need. For the most accurate pricing, please get a quote and for full details on what is covered refer to our policy documentation with your quote.
** Based on Protectivity sales data from 2007 to Sep 2024
ˆ10% discount for policies bought online and applies only to the first-year of your policy premium. Protectivity reserves the right to amend or withdraw this offer at any time. Available to UK residents only.
¹Based on live Feefo data